Eight minutes 46 seconds facts for kids

8 minutes and 46 seconds (also written as 8:46) is a specific amount of time that became very important during the George Floyd protests in 2020. This time refers to how long a police officer held down George Floyd, who later died.

After George Floyd's death, many people around the world protested. The 8 minutes and 46 seconds became a symbol for these protests. It helped people remember the event and speak out against unfair treatment by police.

Why 8:46 Became a Symbol

This specific time became a powerful symbol for several reasons. People used it to show how long George Floyd was held down. It helped everyone understand the seriousness of the situation.

Protests and Actions

During the protests, people often used the 8 minutes and 46 seconds in different ways:

• Moments of Silence: Many people would stop what they were doing and remain silent for exactly 8 minutes and 46 seconds. This was a way to honor George Floyd and show support for the protests.
• "Die-in" Protests: In some cities like Minneapolis, New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia, protesters would lie down on the ground for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. This action was called a "die-in." It was a way to peacefully protest against unfair police actions.
• Online Awareness: The time was also shared widely on social media and news. This helped spread awareness about the protests and the reasons behind them.

Blackout Tuesday

The time 8:46 was also linked to an event called Blackout Tuesday. On June 2, 2020, many people and businesses, especially in the music industry, posted black squares on social media. They did this to show support for the protests and to encourage people to learn more about unfair treatment. The idea was to pause normal activities and focus on important social issues.

Images for kids

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  United States senators observe 8 minutes 46 seconds of silence, June 4, 2020.

See also

In Spanish: Ocho minutos y 46 segundos para niños